Seattle City Council candidate Bruce Harrell, a former University of Washington football star, will be honored as a Husky Legend at this Saturday's game against Ohio State. Husky games are already a favorite place for campaigning politicians. But it's hard to beat a starring role.

That has the head of the state Executive Ethics Board asking some questions. Executive Director Susan Harris told Times reporter Bob Young Thursday the matter is "not currently under investigation." But she is asking questions about the event. She wouldn't say who, though, is being asked those questions. Under state law, state resources, such as the stadium, can't be used to assist a political campaign.

Harrell, an all-conference linebacker in 1979, will be honored before the game's third quarter with a brief ceremony. His council candidacy won't be mentioned and Harrell won't speak, according to Richard Kilwien, UW associate athletic director for communications. Kilwien told Young the ceremony's timing just happens to coincide with the homestretch of Harrell's campaign against Venus Velázquez for an open seat on the council.

The UW honors a player at every home game. "We've tried to get Bruce back for a couple years and this is the first game that fit in his schedule," Kilwien said. "No consideration was made in the selection process of his political ambitions. At this point I don't think anyone in this department feels there's any conflict of interest."

Harrell said he'll have volunteers leafleting outside the stadium Saturday, just like they did at last week's game at Husky Stadium.

"I did absolutely nothing to orchestrate this honor. ... I'm glad and happy. But I'd never try to win through anything underhanded. That's bad karma, bad ethics and it's just not me."